Famed LA indie rock station goes off the air

Los Angeles alternative rock radio station Indie 103.1 announced today (January 15) that it would cease broadcasting over radio airwaves effective immediately.

The renowned radio station, which featured shows hosted by Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols and Dave Navarro of Jane's Addiction, said that it has chosen to broadcast exclusively over the internet so as to avoid being forced into a more commercial, mainstream format.

In a statement issued today, the radio station, which co-sponsors Club NME Los Angeles, said, "Indie 103.1 will cease broadcasting over this frequency effective immediately. Because of changes in the radio industry and the way radio audiences are measured, stations in this market are being forced to play too much Britney, Puffy and alternative music that is neither new nor cutting edge. Due to these challenges, Indie 103.1 was recently faced with only one option -- to play the corporate radio game.

"We have decided not to play that game any longer. Rather than changing the sound, spirit, and soul of what has made Indie 103.1 great, Indie 103.1 will bid farewell to the terrestrial airwaves and take an alternative course.

"This could only be done on the Internet, a place where rules do not apply and where new music thrives; be it grunge, punk, or alternative -- simply put, only the best music."

The station intends to continue broadcasting over the internet at Indie1031.com.

Rumour has it that the internet version will not feature many of the station's most popular shows such as Jonesy's Jukebox hosted by Steve Jones.

Jones issued a statement this afternoon saying that in light of the demise of Indie 103.1, he is exploring other options.

"I want to thank everybody for listening to the show and supporting the station,” he said. “It was an experience I truly enjoyed and the support I got from my fans and artists who came on the show was just incredible. I’d like to think we broke some rules and that everyone had a bloody good time. Thanks for listening.”